
Champaign’s El Grito festival kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month with high energy — despite ICE fears
El Grito de Dolores was the call to arms marking the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence. Now El Grito is held every year in Mexico City and all over the world, bringing Mexicans together to commemorate their history.

Childhood games bridge cultures at Coffee Across Cultures Hour on U of I campus
At the latest Coffee Across Cultures Hour event, students gathered in the Siebel Center for Design in Champaign to enjoy coffee, tea and pastries while exploring this month’s theme: childhood games.

Honorary street unveiled to celebrate Dean Clarence Shelley’s 50-year legacy at Illinois
Honorary Dean Clarence Shelley Way, unveiled Sept. 14, memorializes a man who spent 50 years working to foster a learning community where everyone, regardless of background, could strive for excellence.

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk remembered on the University of Illinois South Quad
Many of the vigil attendees went to Kirk’s debate series at the U of I or other Illinois schools.

Young men share how crime has impacted them at community discussion
CHAMPAIGN— Champaign County officials, program leaders and youth met Wednesday afternoon to discuss the issues troubling young people. Panelists, including three young men who were

Champaign’s 9/11 memorial ceremony remembers first responders, encourages unity
At West Side Park, an American flag was raised to half-staff and “Amazing Grace” was played by two Champaign Fire Honor Guard members at a ceremony to commemorate the lives of first responders who were lost during the 9/11 attacks 24 years ago today.

BERTHA rocks ELLNORA guitar festival with ‘Grateful Drag’
In 2020, Melody Walker and her friend Caitlin Doyle decided they wanted to form an all-female Grateful Dead cover band. After a few male friends expressed interest in taking part in the group, they allowed it — as long as they dressed like women.

Kids program at Krannert Art Museum sparks creativity through interactive activities
Families made their way to the Krannert Art Museum in Champaign Saturday for “Artventures for Kids.” The free program combines storytelling with gallery exploration and hands-on activities for children.

U of I will offer students on-campus abortion access starting this fall, following new Illinois law
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will begin offering students access to abortion care on campus this fall, following new state legislation that requires public universities to provide contraceptives and medication abortion.

Labor Day parade brings community members, floats and festivities to downtown Champaign
The annual event hosted many floats featuring local unions and marching bands. The parade was followed by a picnic in Neil Street Plaza with a live band and other family activities.

The Fischer Theatre honors Gene Hackman’s life with the first ‘FischerFest’
The festival featured five of Hackman’s most well-known films and an open discussion about his work with Illinois film critics Chuck Koplinksi and Pam Powell.

Measles cases are on the rise — and a new semester beginning could impact C-U’s risk
URBANA — McKinley Health Center sent an email to all University of Illinois faculty, staff and students Tuesday warning them to protect themselves from measles.

